CRANBERRY TWP. (93.7 The Fan) – It’s the rumor, or maybe better said hope, that if realized would immediately transition the Pens into a stronger playoff contender. Hours after the start of free agency, when the biggest move was signing a winger for $5 million, assistant general manager Jason Spezza was asked if Robertson, Jason, not Nick who was acquired earlier in the day, is on the team’s radar.
“I won’t speak directly on him (which would be tampering), but I will tell you we’ve done lots of work and inquired on lots of different players in the last few weeks and we will continue to,” Speeza said at the UPMC Lemieux Center on Wednesday. “I think that’s the job and that’s really what we are trying to do is to make sure we are always in on everything and understanding what is going on around the league and how that fits our puzzle.”
Robertson has reportedly vetoed at least one trade destination (Seattle). The Dallas All-Star reportedly wants around $14 million a season after 80 goals in the last two years combined. The Stars are up against the salary cap and many reports any move would be a sign and trade, where the 26-year-old would walk into a new team with a long-term, hefty new contract.
The Stars could also take him to salary arbitration. Robertson would get whatever is awarded for the 2026-27 season and then he would have much more control after next year.
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Pens remain a team with the cap space, even with a couple of moves on Wednesday. According to Speeza, they are keeping options open.
“Jason is obviously a good player that lots of teams have interest in and we are going to continue to investigate everything that is out there,” Spezza said diplomatically.
Free agency underway, what team management said about star forward
Free agency underway, what team management said about star forward
